Previews of Friday's high school games

October 06, 2011|By Dave Johnson and Marty O'Brien

Peninsula District

HERITAGE (1-4, 1-3 district) vs. BETHEL (4-1, 3-1)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Darling Stadium

THE BUZZ: The Hurricanes created a stir last week when they nearly upset undefeated Woodside. Even with the loss, Heritage has been a vastly improved team this year behind RB Khalid Abdullah (414 yards, 2 TDs). The Bruins, who lost a tough one to Phoebus last week, have the PD's best receiving combo in Willie Davis (26-394-5) and Rashawn Proctor (24-571-5).

THE PICK: Bethel 33-13.

DENBIGH (0-5, 0-4) vs. WARWICK (3-2, 2-2)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Todd Stadium

THE BUZZ: The Patriots still are looking for that first win after giving up 729 yards and nine touchdowns passing in the past two weeks alone. The Raiders have an effective air game that has produced 10 touchdowns among QB Josh Butler's 33 completions. RB Cardon Johnson is coming off a season-best 205 yards against Menchville.

THE BUZZ: Here's an interesting stat — York is averaging 196 passing yards per game, while Poquoson has allowed just 36 passing yards per game. The guess here is York QB Alex Johnston (912 passing yards, 12 TDs) will provide the Islanders with the biggest test they've face yet. In any case, York can run, too, although Poquoson isn't easy to run on. Should be a good game.

THE PICK: York 28-17.

GRAFTON (3-2, 2-2) at SMITHFIELD (1-4, 1-3)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Smithfield High.

THE BUZZ: If Tyris Hill could bottle the Smithfield team that showed up against Jamestown (a 34-3 win) things would be different. But the young Packers probably need another year of aging to play like that every week. Grafton's run/pass balance should carry the day if the Clippers can cut down on their mistakes (five turnovers in a loss to Lafayette on Monday).

THE PICK: Grafton 28-14.

LAFAYETTE (5-0, 4-0) vs. WARHILL (3-1, 3-1)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Wanner Stadium.

THE BUZZ: This game features two of the district's hottest defenses. Warhill has allowed just 9.3 points per game during a school-record three-game winning streak. Lafayette has given up just 184 yards and 8.4 points per contest. But while the Rams defense must worry primarily about the rushing of Devonte Dedmon and Reggie Lipscomb out of the Wildcat (no small matter), Warhill must stop Lafayette's dynamic passing and running attacks.

THE PICK: Lafayette 21-10.

NEW KENT (1-4, 1-3) vs. JAMESTOWN (2-3, 1-3)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Cooley Field.

THE BUZZ: This is a dangerous game for a Jamestown team still harboring realistic playoff hopes. The injury bug has taken its toll on some very good players: linemen Johnny Yang and George Buskey, as well as running back Alex Peck. Still, the Eagles have edges in talent and experience, albeit small ones, over the improving Trojans.